How Much Does Food Cost at Universal Orlando? (2026)

Universal Orlando has a wide variety of dining options, and you and your family can enjoy everything from world-class restaurants to take-out burgers in between rides. While you are planning your trip to Universal, it’s all too easy to focus on the amazing thrill rides, character interactions, and hotels — but meals and dining are also a huge part of making your trip special. So budgeting for the cost of food at Universal is important!

This guide will take you through the cost of dining options at Universal for a variety of budgets, so you can plan meals that add to the magic of your vacation. Generally speaking, I recommend budgeting at least $60 per person, per day for food costs. That’s enough to let you enjoy some great food stands and restaurants, and even have snacks throughout your day. But as you’ll see, this amount may need to be increased or decreased depending on how many meals you want to eat and what type of dining you prefer.

Prices shown are accurate as of August 2026 and are subject to change.

Quick Service Restaurants vs. Table Service

Quick service restaurants offer speedy, less expensive options for a meal throughout Universal Orlando, while table service restaurants are more expensive sit-down experiences within the resort. So, what is the difference between quick service restaurants and table service restaurants?

Quick service restaurants at Universal are dining options where you order your food with a cashier and take your food with you to a table to enjoy (though at a few restaurants they might bring your food to the table at the start of your meal).

These restaurants are similar to many fast-food establishments like Burger King or McDonald’s, so there will not be anyone waiting on you while you eat and you’ll likely need to clean up your own tray before you go.

Table service restaurants are full-service options that offer a more traditional dining experience. At these restaurants, you will be seated with a menu and taken care of by a server.

Image © Universal

Menus at table service restaurants will often be larger and more expensive, but they will also offer some fantastic dining options and experiences.

Inside Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure there are more quick service restaurants than table service because park-goers are generally looking for a fast meal in between rides. For table service restaurants, the biggest selection of locations is in Universal CityWalk, which I will cover in more detail later in the article.

Costs of Quick Service Restaurants at Universal Orlando

The average quick-service meal will cost between $13 and $22. My kids and I love these quick-service options because not only are there a great variety of dining options with good food, but they also let us get back to the action as soon as possible.

Food prices have increased across the parks because of inflation over the past few years. I remember being able to get a burger for about $10 in 2019, and now it costs at least $13 or $14. While it’s unfortunate, it’s a trend seen across the country, so these quick-service options still offer good value, especially for being in a theme park!

Some of my favorite quick service options throughout Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure include:

• Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Universal Studios) — Pizza and Pasta
• Minion Cafe (Universal Studios) — Mixed Bowls and Minion-Themed Desserts
• Mel’s Drive-In (Universal Studios) — Burgers and Chicken
• TODAY Cafe (Universal Studios) — Sandwiches, Salads, and Baked Goods
• Comic Strip Cafe (Islands of Adventure) — Ramen, Pizza, and Burgers
• Three Broomsticks (Islands of Adventure) — UK-Inspired Food and Butterbeer

These restaurants and cafes offer a variety of dining options that are all easy on your wallet, and they are spread throughout the parks, so you will always be near a tasty, quick option for some food.

Spotlight: Dining at Three Broomsticks

My kids’ favorite restaurant in the parks is the Three Broomsticks because they are huge Harry Potter fans. While my wife and I also love Harry Potter, we are grateful that the restaurant offers great food we can enjoy alongside the experience of being in the tavern.

Image © Universal

An example of what I might order if I went to the Three Broomsticks would be:

• Main: Shepherd’s Pie – $19.99
• Drink: Butterbeer – $9.49
• Dessert: Freshly Baked Apple Pie – $5.49
• Total: $34.97 before tax.

The experience alone makes going to this restaurant worth it, but it is also a good way to save a bit of money while enjoying more time in the parks! You could, of course, save a bit of money by skipping the Butterbeer and the dessert, but I always make sure to get both because they are an important part of the dining experience in Hogsmeade!

One of the main reasons I enjoy visiting these restaurants is that you can order ahead through the Universal Orlando Resort app. If the theme parks are busy, then lines to order food can be long. The app allows you to order ahead and then pick up your meal when it’s ready! This feature makes quick-service restaurants a great option for the middle of your day, when you are looking for a quick bite before heading back to the rides. And at the same time, you can have a great interactive Universal experience at a restaurant like the Three Broomsticks.

Costs of Table Service Restaurants at Universal Orlando

Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk

The average cost of an entrée at a table service restaurant in Universal Orlando is between $22 and $40+, with signature locations running higher. Keep in mind that this can quickly get more expensive if you go to one of the signature dining options. This means that, including the cost of drinks and a few starters, a family of four can expect to spend at least $200 on a table-service dinner.

Spotlight: Finnegan’s Bar & Grill

For example, one of my wife’s favorite restaurants in Universal Studios is Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. The restaurant is an Irish Pub located in the park’s New York section and has a great selection of classic Irish and American dishes.

Image © Universal

Here’s a sample meal you might order at the restaurant:

• Starter: Irish Loaded Chips – $14.95
• Main Dish: Portacarron Salmon – $31.95
• Drink: Glass of White Wine – $12.00
• Total: $58.85 before tax and tip.

There are certainly more expensive dishes available to order, but this is a good example of a possible bill for one person!

Table Service Across the Parks & Epic Universe

While CityWalk is definitely the hub for table service restaurants, there are a few great options across both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, including:

• Confisco Grille (Islands of Adventure) — Asian, Mediterranean, and Greek Foods
• Mythos (Islands of Adventure) — Meats, Pastas, and Mixed Bowls
• Lombard’s Seafood Grill (Universal Studios) — Chowder, Seafood, and Steaks
• Finnegan’s Bar and Grill (Universal Studios) — Irish-American Pub Fare

These restaurants all bring their own perspective and charm to your meal. For example, Mythos will make you feel like you are enjoying your food on a Mediterranean island, while Finnegan’s will take you straight to the heart of New York in an Irish pub. Mythos is my family’s favorite restaurant to visit when we go to Universal Orlando, and I will talk about it in more detail later in this article!

One important update: Universal has announced Mythos will permanently close in 2027 as part of the Lost Continent redevelopment, so don’t wait too long if it’s on your list

Epic Universe theme park, which opened in May 2025, has made dining a central part of the experience. Atlantic, the Victorian-aquarium-themed seafood restaurant in Celestial Park, has quickly become a fan favorite. The Oak & Star Tavern is a solid option in the same area. We’ve published a complete guide to food at Epic Universe, including the prices of many of the most popular options.

Food Cost at Universal CityWalk Orlando Restaurants

Universal CityWalk is the place to be for dinner in Universal Orlando, but meals tend to cost at least $50 per person depending on what is ordered. CityWalk is located just outside of both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, so that means it is an easy walk from your last ride of the day when you start to get hungry for dinner.

Pro Tip: Due to high volumes of visitors, it is best to reserve a spot at your favorite table-service restaurants in Universal Orlando because there can be long wait times if you arrive without a reservation!

Universal CityWalk includes a large variety of dining options that have influence from America, Italy, Mexico, and more. One place that my wife and I love to visit when we are at Universal is Vivo Italian Kitchen in CityWalk.

Image © Universal

An example of what a dinner for two might cost us would be:

• Starters: Wild Mushroom & Truffle Burrata / Classic Caprese – $21 / $17
• Main Dishes: Chicken Parmigiano / Chicken Piccata – $29 / $29
• Drinks: Two Glasses of Wine – $15 / $15
• Dessert: Tiramisù / Semi Freddo – $12 / $11
• Total: $154 before tax and tip.

This would definitely be a memorable meal. Vivo is always a bit of a special occasion when we go, because we tend to look for more value meals throughout the park. But, whenever we are looking for something special, restaurants like Vivo are worth what you pay!

Prices of Drinks Throughout Universal Orlando

The prices of drinks in Universal tend to be fairly expensive as the resort has a captive audience. Soft drinks and Butterbeer make up a significant chunk of meal prices at Universal, so be sure to factor in those expenses when calculating your food costs.

Let’s dive into the prices of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks throughout the resort and its restaurants.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

I definitely need breaks between rides, and one of my favorite ways to take a breather is by visiting a quick-service restaurant to grab a drink. I last visited the resort in late 2024, so I have some recent experience with the prices of beverages available in the parks. Here are a few prices for drinks you might want to consider when you’re there:

• Self-serve soda – $5.00
• Bottle of Water – $4.00
• Powerade – $5.50

These prices can vary a dollar in either direction depending on where you purchase your drink, but generally, drinks tend to be pretty expensive.

Pro-Tip: If you are just looking for water and don’t want to purchase a bottle, there are plenty of options to get free tap water throughout the parks, and all the restaurants offer free water with your meal.

Alcoholic Drinks

Like the non-alcoholic drinks, there is a markup for alcoholic drinks throughout the parks. Occasionally, when I need a break, I’ll let my kids go off and enjoy a ride with mom while I grab a quick beer. There are plenty of cool restaurants and stands where you can enjoy a drink, but you should certainly be prepared to pay for the experience. Here are a few examples of some drink prices you might get throughout the parks):

• Bottle of beer – $10
• Wine – $14
• Cocktails – $15

These prices can vary a bit depending on where you get your drink throughout the park and based on the particular item you purchase. It can continue to get more expensive if you are having a drink in a nice restaurant.

How Much is Butterbeer at Universal Orlando?

Butterbeer is a sweet, non-alcoholic concoction with a taste that Universal describes as “reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch.” You can find it in many forms around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, from refreshing drinks to tempting desserts!

Butterbeer Drinks

You can enjoy Butterbeer in several forms at Universal: cold (like a soft drink), frozen (with ice crystals like a slushie), and hot (steaming like coffee). All versions are topped with a tasty foam “head” (see allergy notes below).

• Cold Butterbeer: $9.49
• Frozen Butterbeer: $9.49
• Hot Butterbeer: $9.49

Butterbeer is typically served in a disposable cup, but you can spend a bit more for a heavy-duty souvenir mug. In late 2023, they even offered a special stainless steel holiday souvenir cup that cost nearly $37.99!

Cold and Frozen Butterbeer is generally allergy-friendly for those with gluten, soy, egg, wheat, and nut allergies – the standard topping contains dairy, but a non-dairy version is also available. Hot Butterbeer is not suitable for those with dairy allergies or for those following a vegan diet.

Butterbeer Desserts

In addition to drinks, Butterbeer is also offered in dessert form:

• Butterbeer Ice Cream in a cup or waffle cone: $6.49 – $7.49, depending on type and location
• Butterbeer Ice Cream in a souvenir glass: $8.49
• Butterbeer Fudge: Varies
• Butterbeer Potted Cream: $6.49

Cost of Character Meals at Universal Orlando

Character meals at Universal Orlando cost an average of about $45-$55 for adults and $23-$33 for kids. At Universal, a character experience is when you get to have a meal at a restaurant as normal, but at the same time, some of your favorite characters will be walking around the restaurant interacting with guests as you eat. For example, there is a Marvel Character Dinner located in Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure.

My kids love these interactive dining experiences at Universal Orlando. I’ll admit that, for me, it’s more fun to watch the smiles on their faces than to interact with the characters myself, but it is a great way for a family to enjoy a meal and laugh at the same time. Last time we visited, we tried the Marvel Character Dinner, so I will break down the experience and pricing below.

• Adult Price (10+): $56.99 plus tax
• Child Price (Ages 3–9): $31.99 plus tax
• Family of Four Total: ~$180 before tax and tip

While we were eating, characters like Wolverine, Captain America, or Spider-Man came up and asked for high fives or photos. Our kids were smiling and laughing, and it made the meal so special. The buffet menu offers a variety of salads, pizzas, chicken dishes, pasta, and great desserts. The dining options are certainly not the same as if you were at a signature restaurant, but they still taste great and have options for kids of all ages.

If you are looking for something special for breakfast or dinner, I would absolutely recommend one of these meals, but in my experience, these events are best enjoyed by young kids!

How much does Signature Dining Cost at Universal Orlando?

Signature dining at Universal refers to some of the resort’s top restaurants. For these restaurants, along with the amazing food, you are likely to receive a bill for upwards of $200 for a family of four. But these restaurants promise the best dining experiences and the best food throughout the resort. A few of these restaurants include:

• Mama Della’s Ristorante (Portofino Bay Hotel) — Authentic Italian Cuisine
• The Palm Restaurant (Hard Rock Hotel) — Steak and Lobster
• Mythos (Islands of Adventure) — Meats, Pastas, and Mixed Bowls
• Bice Ristorante (Portofino Bay Hotel) — Northern Italian Food

Spotlight: Dining at Mythos in Islands of Adventure

My family and I have tried most of these locations throughout the past few years, and they always deliver a top-tier dining experience. One of our favorite choices is Mythos, which is probably one of the least expensive options on the list above.

Grilled Spiced Lamb at Mythos | Image © Universal

Last time we went to Mythos, we ordered:

• Starters: Baked Lamb Meatballs – $18, Lemon Herbed Octopus – $22
• Main Dishes: Mix of signature entrees (e.g., Sea Scallop & Wild Mushroom Risotto – $45, Beef Loin Medallions – $37) and lighter options (e.g., Mythos Signature Lamb Burger – $24)
• Drinks: Fountain drinks and two glasses of wine
• Total: Expect a multi-course meal for a family of four to land around $240-$270 before tax and tip.

This meal was so memorable, and we loved our experience at the restaurant. This estimate will generally be what you should expect to pay for a family of four at this restaurant – and it is definitely worth it. Mythos is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, theme park restaurants in the world, and the experience of feeling like you are dining in a cave on the Mediterranean is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Is there still a Universal Orlando Dining Plan?

Universal Orlando appears to have gotten rid of its dining plans, at least for now. These plans disappeared in the wake of the pandemic and still haven’t returned. While there is no official update from Universal on whether a resort-wide dining plan will return to Orlando, a couple of developments offer glimmers of hope:

• Universal Studios Hollywood launched a new Dining Pass: In spring 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood introduced a prepaid Dining Pass for its California theme park. While it isn’t available in Florida yet, it shows Universal is actively experimenting with prepaid dining models again.

• Disney Dining Plans are back: Disney successfully brought back its Dining Plans, proving that guest demand for prepaid vacation dining remains strong.

Based on these two clues, it remains possible Universal could start offering dining plans in Orlando again down the road. You can ask your travel agent to keep you in the loop on any updates.

Is Food at Universal More Expensive than at Disney?

While a Universal vacation tends to be slightly less than a Disney vacation, food is going to cost you about the same at either resort. A family of four at Disney can expect to spend between $200-$300 a day on dining, depending on what restaurants they go to. The same goes for Universal. It is important to note that these prices can change dramatically depending on whether your family orders pizza for dinner or goes to a signature restaurant, but as long as you plan ahead and check the menu you will be able to plan the dining experiences that work best for you!

How Should I Pay For Food at Universal?

Although the dining plan no longer is active at Universal, there are still plenty of easy ways to pay for your food throughout the resort. At Universal, you can use all regular forms of payment like credit cards, debit cards, and cash. On top of this, you can also pay for food using mobile ordering on the Universal Orlando Mobile App.

The Universal Orlando Mobile app isn’t a separate app for dining: it’s the main app for Universal Orlando. Once you log in, you can add a credit or debit card to your account as a payment method, and then go over to the Mobile Food & Drink Ordering section. There, you can order ahead at quick service restaurants instead of waiting in line, and you can pay using the app as well.

I prefer to just use my credit card while paying for food throughout the parks, mostly because of the points I get from spending, but it is also more secure than a debit card and more convenient than cash. But there are plenty of good options, so just choose whichever one works best for you!

Final Thoughts on Food Costs at Universal Orlando

Budgeting for your food cost at Universal Orlando is one of the most important parts of planning your trip. Because you and your family will have a few meals a day, dining will take up a significant amount of time on your vacation. These restaurants not only offer great food but also fantastic experiences. Your food budget can certainly go up or down if you are planning to go to some of Universal’s nicest restaurants or if you are simply planning on ordering a large pizza — but I hope I’ve helped give you an idea of what to expect.

Once you get the budgeting out of the way you can focus on enjoying these great experiences and everything else that Universal has to offer!